27:7bless you. In patriarchal times, a solemn family blessing was given at departures (24:60; 28:1–5) or when death was imminent. It could be given to only one person and could not be altered. The patriarchal blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had spiritual significance because the Lord used the social customs of those times to communicate His sovereign purposes. While God initially mediated His covenant blessing through the patriarchs, after the Mosaic law was given, God’s blessing was mediated to all His people through the priest (Num. 6:22–27).